Meaning: This quote by Garth Ennis, a renowned comic book writer, provides insight into the nature of regular superhero comic books and the challenges they face in the industry. Ennis' observation reflects the common practice in the comic book industry of creating superhero series with the intention of longevity and ongoing publication. The idea is to create stories and characters that will resonate with readers and endure for years to come. However, as Ennis points out, this goal is often elusive, with many superhero books failing to achieve long-term success despite their creators' best efforts.

In the world of comic books, the concept of "throwing mud against the wall and hoping it will stick" metaphorically captures the approach taken by publishers and creators when launching new superhero titles. The "mud" represents the multitude of superhero stories and characters being introduced to the market, while the "wall" symbolizes the comic book industry and the audience it serves. The hope is that some of these stories and characters will "stick" – that is, resonate with readers, gain popularity, and ultimately achieve long-term success. However, as Ennis suggests, the reality is that most of these attempts are unsuccessful, with the "mud" sliding off the "wall" and failing to leave a lasting impression.

Ennis' perspective sheds light on the challenges and competitive nature of the superhero comic book genre. The industry is constantly flooded with new superhero titles vying for attention and readership, making it difficult for any single series to stand out and maintain its relevance over time. This dynamic creates a high level of uncertainty and unpredictability for creators and publishers, as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of reader preferences and market trends.

Furthermore, the quote also highlights the inherent difficulty of creating superhero stories that have lasting appeal. While some iconic characters and series have achieved enduring popularity and become cultural phenomena, the majority of superhero books struggle to maintain readers' interest and face the constant threat of cancellation. This reality speaks to the immense pressure on creators to develop fresh, compelling narratives and characters that can capture the imagination of audiences and sustain their interest over the long haul.

Ennis' assessment of regular superhero books as "designed to go on forever" underscores the ambitious nature of these ongoing series. Creators and publishers invest significant time and resources into crafting elaborate superhero universes, complex storylines, and multifaceted characters with the intention of building a long-term fan base and sustaining the series for years or even decades. However, as Ennis implies, this aspiration is often challenged by the harsh realities of the comic book market, where reader preferences can shift rapidly, and the competition for attention is fierce.

In conclusion, Garth Ennis' quote provides a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of regular superhero books and the challenges they face in the comic book industry. His analogy of "throwing mud against the wall and hoping it will stick" encapsulates the struggle of creators and publishers to establish enduring superhero stories and characters in a highly competitive and unpredictable market. This insight serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the world of superhero comics, while also acknowledging the enduring allure of the genre and the enduring quest to create stories that truly "stick" with readers.